LOS ANGELES — The Major League Baseball (MLB) season is starting with excitement as the World Series-winning Los Angeles Dodgers face off against the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome on Tuesday and Wednesday. These two games kick off the long MLB season, which will feature nearly 2,500 matchups across many months. However, these games hold special significance for Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and the five Japanese players from both teams who will play in their home country.
The MLB is once again opening its season in Asia, following last year’s opener in Seoul, South Korea, where the Dodgers and San Diego Padres played to an even split. During that series, a betting scandal emerged involving Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter.
Speaking through an interpreter, Ohtani remarked, “It’s difficult to say if this is the peak for Japanese players in America.” Despite the historic presence of Japanese athletes in the MLB, having five active players is quite significant. Ohtani expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming games, noting his readiness to enjoy the local cuisine, overcome jetlag, and play baseball.
For Roberts, this trip is personal. Born on Japan’s southern island of Okinawa to a Japanese mother and an American father, Roberts is excited to have his relatives from Okinawa in the audience. Last year, he was honored in Okinawa, and this trip allows him to proudly represent his mother’s heritage. He loves that his family can now watch a Dodgers game during prime time rather than at odd hours because of the substantial time difference with Los Angeles.
Japan is embracing the Dodgers, especially with the presence of stars like Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki, who will be the team’s starting pitchers against the Cubs. “I think our mission was accomplished painting the country of Japan in Dodgers blue,” Roberts enthused, as he prepared for the upcoming games.
Both Yamamoto and Ohtani spoke about their joy in playing at home. Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga and likely designated hitter Seiya Suzuki share these sentiments. Imanaga is set to start opposite Yamamoto in the first game. Ohtani hopes his teammates enjoy their time in Japan just as much as the local fans do.
Regarding his pitching, Ohtani stated he’s sticking to his recovery plan after elbow surgery, prioritizing hitting as he transitions back to full play. “I want to focus on the hitting aspect initially, while allowing for mental and physical recovery from pitching,” Ohtani added. He’s satisfied with his progress under this plan.
Roki Sasaki, a recent addition to the Dodgers, is eager to showcase his skills. The 23-year-old pitcher joined the team a few months back and wants to make his mark in a new uniform. Following a recent meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Sasaki feels the weight of representing his country well in MLB action.
Meanwhile, the Cubs have embraced Japan’s culture, led by Imanaga and Suzuki, who organized a welcome party for the team. Manager Craig Counsell recounted a memorable experience involving a traditional tuna cutting ceremony, reflecting the spirit of “kizuna,” or bonding. Counsell emphasized the significance of such events for team unity and cultural exchange.
As the teams gear up for their games, excitement is palpable among players and fans alike. This stateside sport finds a home in the heart of Tokyo, a testament to baseball’s global reach and cultural bridge-building inherent in these international events.
